My Take | Taiwan is sending wrong message about Hong Kong’s rule of law
By sheltering fugitive Lee Sin-yi, who has been charged with rioting, and forming an alliance with pan-democrats, some on the island are undermining our well-recognised and hard-earned core strengths
Some political groups in Taiwan are helping to turn a Hong Kong fugitive into a human rights claimant. They are, in effect, undermining the well-earned reputation of the city’s judicial independence.
Lee Sin-yi, 18, who allegedly took part in the Lunar New Year riot in Mong Kok last year, has been charged with rioting and assaults against police. She jumped bail and escaped to Taiwan. A court has issued a warrant for her arrest.
A simple case of absconding? Not according to some Taiwanese activists. New Power Party legislator Huang Kuo-chang, who has been briefing reporters about the case, said several Taiwan-based human rights groups had been helping Lee.
But why? She is clearly not a dissident, nor is there any evidence that her civil and legal rights may be violated under Hong Kong’s judicial system. The young woman made a terrible mistake but now refuses to face the music. Yet, some groups in Taiwan are deliberately misrepresenting her situation as a human rights case.